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Black History Month is the perfect backdrop for introducing ESFP's Anti-Racism & Diversity Statement (HERE). Our Book Corner section below offers resources. ESFP's values capture it all - Community; Relationships & Connections; Respect, Diversity, & Inclusion. Let's use this month as an opportunity to reflect on how we nurture these principles in our children.
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Workshops, Groups and Programs
Having Babies in the time of COVID-19 - what are the impacts?
An online workshop with Bonnie Davis
Tuesday, February 16, 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Expecting a baby or have you had a baby in the past year? Join our workshop just for parents of babies born in the time of COVID. Do you sometimes worry about possible impacts of reduced socialization and activities, for example? Or maybe because you aren't around other parents and babies, you worry your baby may not be reaching developmental milestones on target.... Parent Educator Bonnie Davis, who has worked with families for over 20 years, specializes in the very early years from birth to 3 years. She will address what babies need most in their first year and explore resources for your and your baby's mental health.
Register via Eventbrite and read more about Bonnie's background and approach there too.
Family Rhythm, Rhyme + Movement
Join with other families of young children on Zoom and with our wonderful facilitators, Nuri and Dawn Zoe as they lead you in our Saturday morning early literacy program with songs, rhymes, stories and creative movement.
Although in-person programming has been on hold for the past year, Dawn Zoe and Nuri appreciate adapting to Zoom, allowing the ability to continue offering FRR&M to East Vancouver families with young children. We hope you can Dawn Zoe and Nuri for the upcoming session, and start your weekend with songs, rhymes & stories! Saturdays, on Zoom, Feb 20 - Mar 27, 10-11:00 am for 6 sessions. Email Gaye to register.
Backyard Playtime
In-person.
Every Monday and Wednesday from 11-12. Meet other parents and their children as they play together in our beautiful backyard playspace. Sandbox, slide, fort, climbing wall and natural features to enjoy. Reserve your spot the week before from our main page of our website.
Mamas & Babies Weekly Meet-Up Group
In-person.
For mothers and their pre-crawling infants. We'll start with a gentle Baby & Me yoga session with local doula and yoga teacher, Melissa Rodrigues, with time for networking. Group size is limited to 4 families. Masks mandatory for all adults. Email Gaye to register. Mondays, 1:15-2:15.
Take and Make Craft Kits
In-person pick up. Each week a new craft kit will be available by registration, and the corresponding instructional video will be uploaded to our Creative Family Fun Time YouTube channel! Email the CFFT Team for details. Pick up on Friday mornings, alongside the meal kit (below).
New! Take and Make Meal Kits
In-person pick up. Weekly grocery bag/meal kits will be distributed by registration: Send an email by noon Monday of each week for the Friday kit. You can also receive a craft kit for each child at the same time.
COOKING CLASSES:
Our first cooking session of the New Year will be on Friday, Feb 5 from 5-6 pm on Zoom. Email Gaye (above). Theme is Busy Weeknight Meals in under an hour. Westcoast Poke and chocolate mousse are the recipes!
Meanwhile, check out 3 recipes on our YouTube Channel, Chickpea and Yam Curry, Stewed Barley and Portobello Mushrooms, and a short tutorial from Andrea on cooking beans and legumes from scratch.
COUNSELLING:
In-person or virtual.
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Krystle Sivorot, is offering in-person or virtual counselling appointments to ESFP members on Wednesdays. Her practice supports children, youth, and adults struggling with emotional challenges and encourages cultivating the wisdom of the body and mind. Her practice uses breath, movement, and mindfulness to deepen a connection to the body as a resource for well-being and nurturing joy. To book a session, email Krystle. No cost for ESFP members ($20 per year/family, subsidies available upon request).
OCCASIONAL CARE: 'Break Time for Mom and Dad!'
Take a break, get some errands done, see your dentist, go for a run or walk... we've got you covered! Offered every Tues and Thurs morning 10-12, and must be pre-booked. If you aren't already registered as a child care client, you will need to do a gradual entry process. To register or to get more details, email Gisele McClain, our childcare staff.
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Antiracist Baby
This new board book empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves. Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby’s nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.
Antiracist Baby by Ibram X Kendi, is available through the Vancouver Public Library. Here is a list of more antiracist children's books to explore from the VPL. Each newsletter we will highlight a book from this VPL list for you to borrow and read to your children! Let us know if you have any others to recommend!
February is Black History Month - Here's another great book suggestion from VPL:
Our Children Can Soar : A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change
A poem of African American history enhanced by illustrations, by Michelle Cook. Showcasing the art of 13 artists, this resonant book was inspired by a simple yet searing phrase that celebrates the achievements of African-Americans. Cook's adaptation pays tribute to 10 individuals whose triumphs are shown as part of a seamless continuum: "Martin marched... so Thurgood could rule. Thurgood ruled... so Barack could run. Barack ran... so our children can soar!"
The artwork forms a cohesive and affecting collective portrait. Images from Leo and Diane Dillon, James Ransome, E.B. Lewis, Eric Velasquez and others, corroborate Children's Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman's assertion, in the book's foreword, that African-American history is "the story of hope." Ages 4-8.
Also, check out BC Black History Awareness Society's comprehensive website for information and children's activity ideas. |
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Some Family Activity Suggestions from our Calendar
In our ESFP 2021 calendar, we have suggested many fun activities to do with your family. Here are some examples from February's calendar: Ask your child to draw someone they love. Talk about it and share your picture. Find books on diversity in the VPL (some examples given above). Or how about baking Valentine's Cookies. Ask and share, "How do you know when somebody loves you?"
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We have just a few copies left of our 2021 calendar, which is full of fun activity ideas and information. They are available for a suggestion donation of $20. Let us know if you want one!
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FUN STUFF:
SELF-CARE:
- Five Minute Art Activities, Guided Visualization and Mommy's 15 Minutes
- Melissa Rodrigues Baby and Me Yoga, Kids Yoga
- Meditation: Pause, Breathe, Relax. Weekly mini (30 minute) meditation session from Little Mountain Neighborhood House, over Zoom. Free with annual membership ($10). Email Lynette to register, or give her a call: 236-862-2903.
- Meditation Apps we recommend: Bliss Timer, Calm, Insight Timer, Oak. Do you have others you would recommend?
MENTAL HEALTH:
PARENTING SUPPORT:
- Information Children parent helpline can help with ages 0-12 years. CALL 778-782-3548 for a confidential call-back, or go online for more info on their free services
- Dr. Vanessa Lapointe - parenting author, online classes, blog
- The Neufeld Institute - resources on the pandemic and its effects on children, from an attachment-based, developmental approach
- Hand in Hand Parenting Special Playtime experts/videos/live
- Elevating Childcare RIE based, respectful parenting podcast/newsletter
- Susan Stiffelman Parenting Without Power Struggles
JUST FOR DADS:
ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES:
FINANCIAL AND LEGAL INFO:
- The Vancouver Rent Bank supports individuals and families who need access to a temporary loan to maintain their housing stability/avoid homelessness
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver help with financial benefits, emergency budget planning CALL: 604-368-2469 or e: moneyskills@fsgv.ca
- Helping Women Now, from Dress for Success. Helps women affected by job reduction/loss
- Corona Virus: Your Legal Questions Answered, People's Law School
FOOD:
- Map Showing free/low-cost food in Vancouver
- Better Together BC, recipes, inspiration for eating more family meals together
- East Van Cares, by Grandview Woodland Food Connection. Free food boxes to seniors and families with young children, volunteers and donations gladly accepted!
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SIGNAL FOR HELP
The social isolation measures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic are making it more difficult for those who are at risk of abuse or violence to safely reach out for help. “Signal for Help” is a simple one-handed sign someone can use on a video call. It can help a person silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way. For more information on the Signal for Help, including tips on how to help someone if you see it on a call, please go to the Canadian Women's Foundation page. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
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Follow Us!
Stay in the loop and don't miss a thing. Check us out on Facebook (@eastsidefamilyplacesociety) & Instagram (@familyplaceprograms) or at eastsidefamilyplace.org
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Eastside Family Place is proud of being the Grandview-Woodland community’s 'home away from home' for over 40 years.
Please renew your membership to help us continue our work. Thanks!
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We wish to acknowledge we are on the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) , Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
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